Slow motion reaction sprinkler



1932. w. VAN F. THOMPSON 1,876,099

snow MOTION REACTION SPRINKLER Filed Feb. 20, 1928 2 Sheets$heet l M94The 14v E. Pia/18:0 fix Sept. 6, 1932- w. VAN E. THOMPSON 1,876,099

SLOW YIOTION REACTION SPRINKLER Filed Feb. 20. 1928 2 sheets-Sheet 2Patented Sept. 6, 1932 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE WALTER VAN E.THOMPSON, 015 LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, ASSIGNOR TO THOMPSONMANUFACTURING COMPANY, OF LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, A CORPORATION OFCALIFORNIA SLOW MOTION REACTION SPRINKLER Application filed February 20,1928.

My invention relates to lawn sprinklers and more particularly to suchsprinklers of the rotating type.

In watering extensive areas of lawn, it is desirable that the sprinklersthrow water in as great a radius as possible with the available waterpressure. The ordinary form of rotating sprinkler has a plurality ofdischarge nozzles which are turned in a direction so that the reactionof the discharged water upon the nozzles rotates the head of thesprinkler. In sprinklers of this type, it is usually necessary that thehead rotate at considerable speed in order to prevent its sticking uponthe body of the sprinkler, and the higher the speed of rotation, thesmaller is the radius to which water is thrown. It is therefore seenthat the speed of rotation of the sprinkler head is an importantfunction of the radius to which water is thrown by the sprinkler. In thepast, provision for limiting the speed of rotation of the sprinkler headhas included an expensive water motor actuated by water supplied to thesprinkler and positively rotating the sprinkler head. This means hasbeen satisfactory in operation but it is quite expensive, and owing tothe difiiculty of lubrication has a relatively short life.

It is an object of my invention to provide an inexpensive rotary lawnsprinkler in which the sprinkler head is slowly rotated by the reactionof water discharged from the nozzles thereof.

In my experiments with sprinklers of this type, I have found that ifvibration can be imparted to the sprinkler head, the sticking of thishead upon the body of the sprinkler can be prevented.

It is therefore another object of my invention to provide a rotary lawnsprinkler having a simple means for vibrating the head of the sprinklerso as to prevent this from sticking.

The vibration of the head of the lawn sprinkler is most effective inpreventing the sticking of this head on the body of the sprinkler ifsuch vibration is in a tangential direction.

It is therefore a still further object of my invention to provide arotary lawn sprinkler Serial No. 255,649.

having a simple means of imparting a tangential vibration to the headthereof.

Further objects and advantages will be made apparent in the followingdescription and in the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the rotarylawn sprinkler of my invention.

Fig. 2 is a plan view of the sprinkler shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is an enlar ed plan view of one of the nozzle tubes of thesprinkler shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a sectional View taken on the line 4--4 of Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a plan View of a modified form of nozzle tube.

Fig. 6 is a plan view of a modified form of slow motion reactionsprinkler.

Fig. 7 is a side elevational view of the sprinkler shown in Fig. 6.

Fig. 8 is a diagrammatic view illustrating the theory of operation ofthe sprinkler shown in Figs. 6 and 7 Referring specifically to thedrawings, the sprinkler illustrated in Figs. 1 to 4 may be indicated bythe numeral 10. The sprinkler 10 includes a suitable base, not shown,upon which is provided a stand pipe 11 through which liquid is suppliedto the sprinkler. Upon the upper end of the stand pipe 11 is screwed astufling-box bearing-bonnet 12 into which a stem 13 of a sprinkler head14 extends and in which this stem is rotatable. The sprinkler head 14has a cap 15 screwed upon the upper end of the stem 13, and screwed intosuitable apertures in the cap 15 so as to extend in opposite directionstherefrom are nozzle tubes 16. While but two nozzle tubes 16 are shown,it is to be understood that with suitable structural changes, a lesseror greater number of these tubes might be used.

Each of the tubes 16 has an inner portion 18 at the end of which thetube 16 is provided with a coil 19 which terminates in an outer tubularportion 20. As clearly shown in Fig. 3, the inner tubular portion 18 isdisposed radially relative to the head 14 upon which it is provided,while the outer tubular portion 20 is disposed at a slight horizontalangle A relative to the inner tubular portion 18. On the outer end ofeach nozzle tube 16 is a nozzle cap 22 from which Water or other liquidpassing from the stand pipe 11 through the head 14 and tubes 16 isdischarged. Each of the nozzle caps 22 has an axial orifice throughwhich this water is discharged so that a force of reaction is set upwhich is exerted inward along the axis of the outer tubular portion 20.As the axis of the tube 20 is non-radial relative to the axis ofrotation of the head 14, this force of reaction will tend to rotate thehead 14 in the bearing-bonnet 12. Owing to the fact that the angle A isquite small, the tangential components of the forces of reaction set upby discharge of water from the nozzle caps 22 will be so small that therotation of the head 14 caused thereby will be relatively slow.

The inertia of the rotating head 14 and nozzle tube 16 will also becomparatively small so that if the friction between the head stem 13 andthe bearing-bonnet 12 becomes temporarily increased, it is likely tohalt the rotation of the head 14. This is, of course, extremelyundesirable as when once the rotation of the head 14 has been halted, itis likely to remain stuck in that position. In the sprinkler 10,however, the halting of the rotation of the head 14 is prevented by thecoils 19 in the nozzle tube 16. These coils cause a rapid reversal indirection of the water passing through the tube 16 so as to impart avibratory motion to the head 14 which effectively prevents the stickingof the head 14 in the bonnet 12, by virtue of com stantly changing theposition of the head 14 relative to this bonnet.

I have found, moreover, that the vibration above noted is particularlyeffective where this is set up in a tangential direction. By the use ofthe word tangential in this application, relative to the direction ofthe vibration set up by the coils 19, it is meant to indicate adirection tangential to the orbit followed by the coils 19 about theaxis of rotation of the head 14. The action of the vibration on thesprinkler head 14 may further be explained by referring to the motionwhich is caused in the sprinkler head by reason of the vibration. In thepreferred form of the invention the conformation changing the directionof the flow of water through the arm 16 is preferably arranged to causea vi bration in the plane of rotation of the head 14. The vibration,therefore, is tangential, as pointed out. The result of this tangentialvibration is to cause the head 14 to oscillate in the plane of rotation.This oscillation is very small and is hardly noticeable. However, thehead does rotate back and forth, but

, due to the assistance of the reactionary force which tends to rotatethe head in one direction the oscillatory movement of the head in onedirection is longer than the oscillatory motion in the oppositedirection, with the result that the sprinkler head and the arms rotatevery slowly.

It is possible for a vibration in planes other than parallel to theplane of rotation of the sprinkler head, to prevent sticking and enablethe sprinkler head to be rotated very slowly. For example, if there is asufficient vertical vibration the sticking action will be relieved.

In the broad aspect of the invention I provide a sprinkler in which thewater passing through the arm is caused to change in the direction offlow in order to produce the required vibration. In other words, thewater is caused to flow through a tortuous path.

In Fig. 5, a novel tube 25 is shown for performing the same functions asthe tube 16. The tube 25 is provided with an S-shaped bent portion 26which is adapted to effect a rapid reversal of the direction of flow ofthe water carried by the pipe 25 so as to set up a tangential vibrationsimilar to that caused by the coils 19 of the tubes 16 previously described.

Referring now to Figs. 6,7, and 8, a modified form of slow motionreaction sprinkler 30 is shown which includes a suitable base, notshown, upon which is provided a standpipe 31 through which liquid issupplied to the sprinkler. Upon the upper end of the stand-pipe 31 isprovided a stuffing-box bearing bonnet 32 which rotatably supports theneck 33 of a sprinkler head 34 so that this is maintained incommunication with the stand-pi e 31. Extending in the oppositedirection rom the head 34 are nozzle tubes 35, each of which is bent toform a loop 36 and then crosses itself so that the discharge end of eachtube 35 is disposed close to the head 34 and is pointed in a directionwhich is inclined slightly upward from the horizontal and is tangentialto a small circle formed about the axis of rotation of the sprinklerhead 34. A suitable discharge orifice at the end of each of the tubes 35is provided by nozzle caps 37 provided thereon.

As shown in Fig. 8, each of the forces of reaction formed by thedischarge of water from the nozzle caps 37 is applied on that side ofthe head 34 toward which that force is directed. In other words, each ofthese forces pulls away from the axis of rotation of the sprinkler head34. Also, as the direction of these forces is such that tangentialcomponents are present, the sprinkler head 34 is rotated thereby. I havefound, moreover. that a sprinkler having nozzle tubes of the characterof the tubes 35 may be adjusted so as to rotate at a fairly slow ratewithout any danger of the head 34 sticking upon the standpipe 31, owingto the fact that the vibration of the tubes 35 is set up by the loops 36which acao are disposed at the extreme outer portions thereof, and thatthe reaction forces of the discharged Water, as indicated by vectors 40in Fig. 8, tend to pull the respective nozzle tubes 35 away from thesprinkler head 34.

I claim as my invention;

1. In a rotating sprinkler, the combination of: liquid supply means; ahead rotatable thereon; and nozzle means connected to said head fordischarging liquid in a direction to set up a tangential force tendingto rotate said head slowly, but normally incapable of doing so due tothe sticking of said head on the supply means, said nozzle means havinga passage through which said liquid flows at a high rate of speed, saidpassage having a conformation against which said liquid reacts to set upa vibration in said head to prevent its sticking upon said liquid supplymeans.

2. A combination as in claim 1 in which the conformation of said passagecauses said liquid to flow in rapid succession in reversed tangentialdirections.

3. In a rotating sprinkler, the combination of: liquid supply means; ahead rotatable thereon; tubes leading from said head and symmetricallydisposed; and nozzle means on said tubes to which liquid is suppliedthrough said head and said tubes, said nozzle means discharging saidliquid in a direction to cause said head to rotate, said tubes beingbent to cause said liquid to flow in rapid succession in reverseddirections.

4. In a reaction sprinkler, the combination of: a supply means; a headrotatable thereon; an arm extending outward from said head through whichthe liquid passes; a nozzle on said arm from which said water issues ina direction to produce a reactionary force tending to rotate said headslowly, but normally incapable of doing so due to the sticking of saidhead on the supply means; and means included in said arm whereby theflow of water is caused to change its direction of flow to produce sucha vibration that said head will not stick.

5. In a reaction sprinkler, the combination of: a supply means; a headrotatable thereon; an arm extending outward from said head through whichthe liquid passes; a nozzle on said arm from which said water issues ina direction to produce a reactionary force tending to rotate said headslowly, but normally incapable of doing so due to the sticking of saidhead on the supply means; and means included in said arm whereby theflow of water is caused to change its direction of flow to produce avibration in the plane of rotation of said head suflicient to preventsaid head from sticking.

6. In a reaction sprinkler, the combination of: a supply means; a headrotatable thereon; an arm extending outward from said head through whichthe liquid passes; a nozzle on said arm from which said water issues ina direction to produce a reactionary force tending to rotate said headslowly, but normally incapable of doing so due to the sticking of saidhead on the supply means; and means included in said arm whereby theflow of water is caused to change its direction of flow so that thewater will produce forces tending to oscillate said head in its plane ofrotation sufficiently to prevent said head from sticking.

7. In a reaction sprinkler, the combination of: a supply means; a headrotatable thereon an arm extending outward from said head through whichthe liquid passes; a nozzle on said arm from which said water issues ina direction to produce a reactionary force tending to rotate said headslowly, but normally incapable of doing so due to the sticking of saidhead on the supply means; and a forma tion in said arm for causing theflow of water to move through a tortuous path to produce such avibration that said head will not stick.

8. In a reaction sprinkler, the combination of: a supply means; a headrotatable thereon; an arm extending outward from said head through whichthe liquid passes; a nozzle on said arm from which said water issues ina direction to produce a reactionary force tending to rotate said headslowly, but normally incapable of doing so due to the sticking of saidhead on the supply means; and a formation in said arm for causing thefiow of water to move through a tortuous path so that the water willproduce forces tending to oscillate said head in its plane of rotationsufiiciently to prevent said head from sticking.

9. In a reaction sprinkler, the combination of: a supply means; a headrotatable thereon; an arm extending outward from said head through whichthe liquid passes; a nozzle on said arm from which said water issues ina direction to produce a reactionary force tending to rotate said headslowly, but normally incapable of doing so due to the sticking of saidhead on the supply means; and a formation in said arm for causing theflow of water to move through a tortuous path in a plane atleast nearlyparallel to the plane of rotation of said head to produce such a vibration that said head will not stick.

10. In an irrigation sprinkler having a supply means, a head rotatableon said sup ply means, an arm extending from said head through which thewater may flow, an (l means whereby the head is rotated slowly, butnormally incapable of doing due to the sticking of said head on thesupply means, the combination of: means in said arm for causing saidwater to change its direct on of low to produce a vibration in said headsullicient to prevent said head from sticking.

11. In an irrigation sprinkler having a ply means, an arm extending fromsaid head through which the water may flow, and mean whereby the head isrotated slowly, but normally incapable of doing so due to the stick ingof said head on the supply means, the combination of: means in said armfor causing said water to change its direction of flow to produce avibration in said head in the plane of rotation thereof suflicient toprevent said head from sticking.

12. In an irrigation sprinkler having a supply means, a head rotatableon said sup ply means, an arm extending from said head through which thewater may flow, and means whereby the head is rotated slowly, butnormally incapable of doing so due to the sticking of said head on thesupply means, the combination of: means in said arm for causing saidwater to change its direction of flow so that the water will produceforces tending to oscillate said head in its plane of rotationsufliciently to prevent said head from sticking.

13. In an irrigation sprinkler having a supply means, a head rotatableon said supply means, an arm extending from said head through which theWater may flow, and means whereby the head is rotated slowly, butnormally incapable of doing so due to the sticking of said head on thesupply means, the combination of: a formation in said arm for causingthe flow of water to move through a tortuous path to produce a vibrationin said head suflicient to prevent said head from sticking.

14. In an irrigation sprinkler having a supply means, a head rotatableon said supply means, an arm extending from said head through which thewater may flow, and means whereby the head is rotated slowly, butnormally incapable of doing so due to the stick ing of said head on thesupply means, the combination of: a formation in said arm for causingthe flow of water to move through a tortuous path so that the water willproduce forces tending to oscillate said head in its plane of rotationsufiiciently to prevent said head from sticking.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand at Los Angeles,California, this 13th day of February, 1928.

VALTER VAN E. THOMPSON.

